The Projects Development Institute (PRODA)

The Projects Development Institute (PRODA) established in1970 is one of the research Institutes under the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology (FMST) and wholly owned by the Federal Government of Nigeria.Established with the Motto'Industrialization through self Reliance with the aim of catalyzing Industrialixation by carrying out cognate applied research from laboratory to pilot plant/production prototype stages in diverse areas- Science,Ceramics.Energy and Engineering.

PRODA also aims to adapt known processes. Plants and workshop techniques to achieve specific goals.The ultimate goal is to bring the results of scientific and technological research to bear upon our logical conditions and improve our lot.

MANAGEMENT OF THE INSTITUTEPRODA functions through a Governing Board wihich reports to the Fedral Ministry of Science and Technology,the supervising ministry.The board determines the policy guidelines of the Institute and in its absence,its authority transfers to the Supervising Ministry.The Institute’s Management Committee is made up of six Heads of Departments and chaired by the Director General/Chief Executive Officer,who is responsible for the day to day running of the Institute.

PRODA Headquarters

PRODA MANDATEIn 1992,PRODA,under the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastucture ,(NASENI),was charged with a new mandate as follows:The projects Development Institute, Enugu, shall develop the technologies required by the power Equipment Industry,and shall:Undertake research and development work into:

The design,development and pilot production of:Establish and operate a power Equipment Test Laboratory

Transfer power equipment production technologies to private sector industries, and render consultancy and extension services to such and other industries.

Collaborate with higher institutions,government agencies, Corporate bodies and international organization in the execution of its programmes and projects

Establish and operate a mechanical/ electrical training school for graduates,and accept,on its own terms,graduates and other trainees for practical work attachment in its works,and

Under-takes any other activities in connection with all or any of its functions

It is in the mastery of the above capabilities that industrialization partly hinges. The Insitute is therefore,steering its course towards the attainimrent of these capabilities.PRODA, is thus, required to research and produce results in support of the above indicated needs of the industry. The institute is also expected to continually endeavor to transfer the Research and Development results to the industry sector.

MISSION & VISIONTo promote the establishment of new industrial projects through laboratory and pilot investingations to the actual condtruction of large scale commercial plants,utilizing local raw materials and indigenous manpower.To play a strategic role,through indigenous science and engineering research and development,for the purpose of promoting the nations drive towards science and technology and self-reliance

POLICY THRUSTIn the main, PRODA is envisioned to play a leading role towards national self-reliance through the production of capital goods that will enable small and meduim enterprises (SMEs) process available local materials and produce the needed consumer goods with emphasis on power equipment and industrial sector. The ultimate goal has remained to achieve substantial deletion on the vast import and promote national polices of the government.

Testing of clay samples which include (clays, feldspar, sand quartz etc to determine their suitabliity for ceramic raw materials.

Soil testing for doundation engineering investigations.

Science equipment and exploration.

Technical information and advice to ceramics industries.

Mineral prospecting and exploration.

Water well drilling.

Glass blowing training.

TRAINING AND MANPOWER DEVELOPMENT

The manpower development efforts of the institute covers such areas as vocational training/skill acquisition, practical work experience for students, graduate training for graduates, remedial courses, conferences, seminars and workshops.

TRAINING/SKILL ACQUISITION PROGRAMME

The areas of training covers:

Library/information services.

Bricks and pottery production

Engineering draughtmanship.

Machine fabrication.

Foundry Technology.

Auto electrical/ mechanical maintenance.

Electrical workshop/winding.

Adhesive Technology.

Laboratory Technology.

Glass Blowing Technology.

Welding Technology.

Mould Making.

Computer appreciation/ ICT.

Ceramics.

Training Methodology: Lecture methods + practical hands-on machine exercises based on moulds. Training Duration: Dependent on the type of programme, the least is 2 months duration. The longest duration is 2 years.Certification: Examination(s) are usually conducted and successful canditates are issued with certifiactes of profiencey on completion.Available facilities: PRODA Electronic research library is available, and trainees are encouraged to use it.

STUDENTS WORK EXPERIENCE (ITF/NYSC)The programme is aimed at assisting students from tertiary institution and NYSC acquire on-the-job experience related to their various disciplines in their institutions.Training Methodology:Students are exposed and are allowed to participate in various projects along with the experienced staff of PRODA to enable them acquire requisite skills and experience. Training Duration: 6 weeks, 6 months, 1 year. Certification: No certification is issued, but students are usually issued letters of attestation at the end of their training period. Available facilities: PRODA Electronic research library is available, and trainees are encouraged to use it.

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

PRODA undergoes numerous researches for the development of new products and utilization of raw materials. Available researches include:

DEVELOPMENT OF SMOKELESS SOLID FUELS: Focus is on the design and fabrication of of batch coal carbonization retort system aimed at solving the twin problem of deforestation in the south and desertification in the north.

DEVLOPMENT AND PRODUCTION OF ACTIVATED CARBON FROM COAL: Involves screening, grinding, carbonization and activation of coal.